CN108025119B

CN108025119B - Breast pump device

Info

Publication number: CN108025119B
Application number: CN201680051178.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·J·M·詹森
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2016-09-03
Publication date: 2021-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-03
Also published as: RU2018111845A; US11992328B2; WO2017037270A1; EP3344308A1; RU2018111845A3; US20200405924A1; CN108025119A; US20180236149A1; JP2018526002A; EP3344308B1; RU2722297C2; US10806836B2

Abstract

A breast pump device (1) adapted to enable realization of at least two batches (A, B) of breast milk as a direct result of a single pumping session performed on at least one breast of a user, the batches (A, B) being different in terms of a value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk concerned. The device (1) comprises a detection unit (50) for performing real-time detection of at least one quality parameter in the flow of breast milk and for outputting a detection signal representing an actual value of the at least one quality parameter, and further comprises a controller (70) for receiving the detection signal from the detection unit (50) and for using the signal in determining a suitable setting of the device 1, 2 in terms of selection of a destination location 41, 42 of the milk.

Description

Breast pump device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a breast pump device.

Background

Breast pump devices are well known devices for extracting milk from one or both breasts of a user. A breast pump device may be used if the baby or infant is unable to extract milk from the breast by itself, or if the mother is separated from the baby or infant and is fed breast milk by another person. Thus, in general, a mother uses a breast pump device to express breast milk at his or her convenience, and stores it for later consumption by his or her child. Breast pump devices may also be helpful in situations where it is desirable to stimulate and increase milk production in women with low milk supply.

The breast pump device is usually operated by a funnel-shaped element for receiving a user's breast, which may be equipped with a pad or the like for massaging the breast in some way, and with at least one container for receiving and holding breast milk and comprising a pump, such as a vacuum pump, for generating a negative pressure in the funnel-shaped element in order to enable milk to be expressed from the breast. In fact, by generating a vacuum, possibly accompanied by a specific way of massaging the breast, a simulation of the feeding action is obtained which triggers the necessary milk elicitation reflex in the user of the breast pump device.

Typically, one container is used for each breast. Thus, when milk is extracted from two breasts simultaneously, which is a possibility offered by many available types of breast pump devices, in particular of the electrically driven type, usually two containers are used, one for each breast. Assuming that the container is large enough to receive the entire volume of milk extracted from the breast during the pumping process, the operational result of the breast pump device is one or two containers containing said volume.

In some cases, breast milk with a relatively high milk fat concentration or a relatively high value of another quality parameter of the breast milk (e.g. protein content) is required. For example, when feeding premature infants, it is advantageous to use high fat and high nutrient breast milk. However, in fact, the breast pump devices currently known are only suitable for delivering a uniform batch of milk per breast, as explained before. In view of this, there is a need to implement a method of separating the entire volume of milk extracted from a breast during a pumping process into at least two batches having different quality parameter values, which are different in terms of the value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk involved

EP1430918a1 relates to a system and a method for detecting a milk matrix in a mother's breast, and to the use of a breast pump for detecting a milk matrix. Milk is expressed into at least one collection vessel and the amount of milk expressed is determined as a function of time. If a milk burst occurs, the amount of milk detected increases suddenly. The milk burst is therefore easily detected. The amount of milk is preferably weighed. Performing a volumetric measurement is another method of determining the amount of milk expressed as a function of time.

Among others, EP1430918a1 discloses a possibility to collect milk in several collection containers, wherein the collection containers are filled successively depending on predetermined events. Examples of such events include: 1) the elapsed time period, which may always be the same or may vary depending on the container to be filled, and 2) collecting a predetermined amount of milk in one of the containers. The milk collected in several containers can be analyzed and also used separately, since it is known that the fat content of the milk increases as the milk is removed from the breast.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to meet the following requirements: the separation of the entire volume of extracted milk into at least two batches with different quality parameter values is achieved in an accurate manner, so that it is possible to ensure that at least one batch of milk meets predetermined quality requirements.

According to the present invention, there is provided a breast pump device adapted such that at least two batches of breast milk are achievable as a direct result of a single pumping process performed on at least one user's breast, the batches being different in terms of a value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk concerned and the batches being achieved at different destination locations, the device comprising a detection unit for performing real-time detection of at least one quality parameter in a flow of breast milk extracted from at least one user's breast during the pumping process and outputting a detection signal representing an actual value of the at least one quality parameter; the controller is adapted to receive the detection signal from the detection unit, determine in real time a relation between the actual value and the reference value of the at least one quality parameter, and control the device to direct the flow of breast milk to a destination location based on the determined relation, the destination location being appropriate in view of the determined relation.

As follows from the foregoing definition, the invention provides for a real-time detection of at least one quality parameter of the milk in the stream of breast milk and a real-time comparison of the actual value found in this way with a reference value, so that the relationship between the actual value and the reference value can be determined continuously throughout the pumping process. The determined relationship indicates whether the breast milk meets certain predetermined quality requirements, on the basis of which a suitable destination location for the milk can be selected such that a batch of milk meeting the quality requirements and another batch of milk of another quality are obtained. The present invention is based on the recognition that the quality parameter of breast milk changes over time during a single pumping session, i.e. during a single breastfeeding session. In particular, it is known that during the start of lactation, a so-called pre-milk is expressed from the breast for a limited time, followed by a so-called post-milk, an important difference between the two breast milks being related to the milk fat concentration, wherein the post-milk has a much higher milk fat concentration than the pre-milk. During the pumping process, it is almost impossible for the user to visually distinguish between the post-milk and the colostrum and to identify the phase of the milk composition change. When the invention is implemented, the value of one or more quality parameters may be determined automatically, and this information may be used to determine whether the extracted milk flow should be directed towards a container of milk expected to have a certain quality or towards another destination location. The present invention provides a method of achieving separation as needed during the pumping process, wherein if such action is fully available in practice, no cumbersome action need be taken thereafter to achieve such a result.

With regard to the relation between the actual value of the at least one quality parameter and the reference value, it is noted that the actual value may be found to be higher than the reference value, lower than the reference value, or the same as the reference value. In a practical embodiment, the controller is programmed with information about the appropriate settings of the device for each of the possible relationships. For example, the content of such information may be that the device should be in a state of directing the flow of breast milk to the destination location a when the actual value of the at least one quality parameter is higher than or equal to the reference value, and in a state of directing the flow of breast milk to the destination location B when the actual value of the at least one quality parameter is lower than the reference value. In this case, the controller switches the device from the state of directing the flow of breast milk to the destination position a to the state of directing the flow of breast milk to the destination position B when the actual value drops below the reference value after having been above the reference value, without requiring intervention of a user of the breast pump device.

In a possible embodiment, the breast pump device according to the invention comprises: at least two connecting means allowing connecting at least two containers for receiving breast milk to the device, and a separating unit; the separation unit is for allowing milk to flow to the connected receptacle through at least one of the at least two connecting means and for preventing milk from flowing to the connected receptacle through at least another of the at least two connecting means. By having two connecting means and a separate unit as described above, the desired result, i.e. at least two batches of breast milk as a result of a single pumping on at least one breast of the user, is very well achieved. All that needs to be done is to connect the at least two receptacles to the breast pump device by means of the connecting means, and wherein the flow of milk is directed to one of the two receptacles as long as the actual value of the at least one quality parameter of the milk is found to be on one side of the reference value, and wherein the flow of milk is directed to the other of the two receptacles as soon as the actual value of the at least one quality parameter of the milk changes from one side of the reference value to the other. In that case the controller is actually adapted to set the state of the separation unit. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that the containers may be provided as separate objects (e.g. separate bottles), but may also be provided, for example, in the form of separate spaces in separate container units.

The separation unit may be of any suitable design for allowing the flow to vary from one connection to another. For example, the separation unit may comprise a valve which is movable between a first position for keeping one of the connection means open while closing the other connection means and a second position for keeping one of the connection means open while closing the other connection means.

The breast pump device according to the invention may comprise an information unit for providing real-time information on the at least one quality parameter to a user of the device. In this case, the user is helped to interpret the operational aspects of the device, which may be beneficial for the user to perceive the quality and reliability of the device. Such an information unit may further be adapted to issue a warning signal to the user in case the actual value of the at least one quality parameter changes from one side of the reference value to the other, so that the user may be warned about a situation in which the path followed by the milk is changed.

A possible example of at least one milk quality parameter is milk fat concentration. Thus, the detection unit may be adapted to detect the milk fat concentration, and may be particularly adapted to do so based on light scattering measurement techniques such as infrared spectroscopy or near infrared spectroscopy, which do not alter the fact that within the framework of the present invention, other suitable measurement techniques may also be applied.

In order to allow a flexible use of the breast pump device, it is advantageous if the device is equipped with a user interface for allowing a user to set a reference value for at least one quality parameter of breast milk. Also, in case the detection unit is adapted to detect more than one type of quality parameter, it is a feasible option to have a user interface for allowing the user to select the type of quality parameter and also to set the reference value for that particular parameter. In a default setting, where no detection unit is used, having a user interface further allows providing the user with the option of operating the breast pump device in a conventional manner when the total volume of milk to be extracted from the breast is not required to be separated into at least two different batches. The controller may be provided with a programmable memory for storing inputs provided by the user.

The above and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of two embodiments of a breast pump device comprising a detection unit and a controller for controlling the operation of the device based on a detection result provided by the detection unit.

Drawings

The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which identical or similar components are indicated by identical reference numerals, and in which:

fig. 1 schematically shows components of a first embodiment of a breast pump device according to the invention, which is adapted for extracting milk from one breast, and also schematically shows two containers connected to the breast pump device; and

fig. 2 schematically shows components of a second embodiment of a breast pump device according to the invention, which is adapted to extract milk from two breasts simultaneously, and also schematically shows two containers connected to the breast pump device.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 schematically show an embodiment of a breast pump device according to the invention. The working principles of the two embodiments are comparable. The difference between the embodiments resides in the fact that the first embodiment is adapted to extract milk from one breast and the second embodiment is adapted to extract milk from both breasts simultaneously. In the following, the breast pump device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 will be referred to as single breast pump device 1, and the breast pump device according to the embodiment shown in fig. 2 will be referred to as double breast pump device 2.

The general operating principle of breast pump devices is well known and will only be briefly described here. First, it is noted that the breast pump device comprises at least one funnel-shaped element for receiving a user's breast, wherein a single breast pump device comprises one such element, and wherein a double breast pump device comprises two such elements. Furthermore, there is a vacuum pump for connection to the funnel-shaped element during operation of the breast pump device. The vacuum pump may be of a manually operated type, but more complex types of breast pump devices comprise an electrically powered vacuum pump. Furthermore, the breast pump device comprises at least one connection means enabling a receptacle, such as a milk bottle, to be connected to the device, wherein the single breast pump device comprises one such means, and wherein the double breast pump device comprises one or two such means, depending on whether the funnel-shaped elements are connected to a common milk outlet line or not.

The general operational aspects of a breast pump device will now be described in the context of a single breast pump device. Before activating the vacuum pump, the user needs to take care that: connecting a suitable container for receiving breast milk to the breast pump device by means of a connecting device; the vacuum pump is connected to the funnel-shaped element; and the breast subjected to the milk extraction process is suitably inserted in the funnel-shaped element. Starting from this state, when the vacuum pump is activated, the breast is subjected to a force simulating a feeding state, thereby causing milk supply from the breast. Under the influence of gravity and/or vacuum, breast milk flows from the funnel-shaped element to the container through the connecting device. In many practical cases the connecting device is located directly downstream of the funnel-shaped element, but there may also be a length of drain pipe or the like extending between the funnel-shaped element and the connecting device.

The invention will now be explained with reference to a schematic view of a single breast pump device 1 in fig. 1 and a double breast pump device 2 in fig. 2, in which the funnel-shaped element is indicated by reference numeral 10 and the vacuum pump is indicated by reference numeral 20.

With reference to fig. 1, with regard to a single breast pump device 1 according to the invention, it is noted that the device has two connecting

means

31, 32. In the figure it is shown how the first container 41 is connected to the first connecting means 31 and how the second container 42 is connected to the second connecting means 32. For example, the connection means 31, 32 may comprise: the end of the tube to be inserted into the

respective container

41, 42 or the threaded ring; the

containers

41, 42 can be connected to the threaded ring by a screwing action; or any other feasible means for establishing a connection of the

receptacle

41, 42 to the device 1, such that the

receptacle

41, 42 is in a position for receiving milk from the device 1. The connection of the

containers

41, 42 to the connecting

means

31, 32 does not necessarily need to be releasable, although this is very practical. For example, in case the

containers

41, 42 are fixedly connected to the connecting

means

31, 32, it is advantageous that the

containers

41, 42 can be drained of milk by means of suitable taps or valve elements.

Furthermore, the single breast pump device 1 according to the invention is equipped with a detection unit 50, a separation unit 60 and a controller 70, the detection unit 50 being adapted to perform a real-time detection of a value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk flowing from the funnel-shaped element 10 in the direction of the connecting

means

31, 32, the separation unit 60 having a valve 61 for allowing access to only one of the

containers

41, 42 through the respective connecting

means

31, 32, the controller 70 being adapted to control the state of the separation unit 60 depending on the detection result produced by the detection unit 50. The detection unit 50 is arranged upstream of the separation unit 60, and the separation unit 60 is arranged upstream of the connection means 31, 32. In the arrangement described, the milk outlet line comprises three parts, namely a first part 15 extending from the funnel-shaped element 10 to the separation unit 60, a second part 16 extending from the separation unit 60 through the first connecting means 31, and a third part 17 extending from the separation unit 60 through the second connecting means 32.

In the following, by way of example, it is assumed that the detection unit 50 comprises a near infrared spectrometer adapted to detect the milk fat concentration of the milk flow. In this case, the detection unit 50 is used to provide real-time information on the milk fat concentration to the controller 70 when the breast pump device 1 is operated and milk flows through the device 1. This may be done in any suitable way, based on the detection signal transmitted from the detection unit 50 to the controller 70 as indicated by the dashed arrow in fig. 1. The controller 70 is adapted to determine a relation between the actual value of the milk fat concentration detected by the detection unit 50 and the reference value, i.e. to determine whether the actual value is above, below or equal to the reference value. Depending on the result, i.e. the relation found by the controller 70, it is known what the setting of the separation unit 60 should be based on a predetermined relation between the result and the setting.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the breast pump device 1 according to the invention is capable of separating the total volume of breast milk obtained during a pumping process into two batches a and B, wherein batch a and batch B differ with respect to milk fat concentration. One of lot a and lot B has a relatively high milk fat concentration, while the other of lot a and lot B has a relatively low milk fat concentration. The difference between the batches a and B is determined by the reference value and the actual creation of the different batches a and B is controlled by adapting the state of the separation unit 60, in particular the position of the valve 61, to the result of the real-time comparison of the actual value of milk fat concentration and the reference value. The action of the controller 70 with respect to setting the position of the valve 61 is schematically indicated by the dashed arrow in fig. 1.

According to various aspects of the breast pump device 1 as described above, one possible example of the various steps taken during the pumping process will now be given. According to this example, the operation of the breast pump device 1 starts with the valve 61 of the separation unit 60 in a position: for allowing access to the first container 41 through the first connecting means 31 while preventing access to the second container 42 through the second connecting means 32. Throughout operation of the breast pump device 1, the detection unit 50 and the controller 70 are in an active state, the detection unit 50 being adapted to perform real-time measurements of the milk fat concentration of the milk flow through the first part 15 of the milk discharge line, and the controller 70 being adapted to continuously determine the position of the valve 61 based on information about the milk fat concentration provided by the detection unit 50. As long as the actual value of the milk fat concentration is found to be below the reference value, the valve 61 is kept in the position as described before, i.e. a position allowing access to the first container 41 through the first connecting means 31, while preventing access to the second container 42 through the second connecting means 32. Thus, in the preliminary phase of the pumping process, batch a is obtained in the first container 41 on the basis of the following facts: from the funnel element 10, the milk flows via the first part 15 and the second part 16 of the discharge line to the first container 41, batch a having a relatively low milk fat concentration.

Over time, the milk fat concentration of the milk extracted from the user's breast increases. As a result, at some point, the actual value of the milk fat concentration is found to be higher than the reference value. In this case, it is intended to separate the milk flowing from the breast from the batch a of milk already connected in the first container 41. This is achieved based on the fact that: the controller 70 varies the position of the valve 61 by following a predetermined relationship between the positions of the valve 61 on the one hand and the actual value of the milk fat concentration and the reference value on the other hand. In this way, when the actual milk fat concentration changes from below to above the reference value, it is achieved that the position of the valve 61 is switched to a position allowing access to the second container 42 through the second connecting means 32, while access to the first container 41 through the first connecting means 31 is prevented. In the second container 42, a batch B of milk with a relatively high fat concentration is obtained, which is separated from the batch a of milk with a relatively low fat concentration in the first container 41. Under normal circumstances it may be expected that the value of the milk fat concentration does not fluctuate around the reference value, but if so the separation function is always implemented, since the position of the switch 61 is automatically selected depending on the result of the comparison of the actual value with the reference value.

The present invention provides a simple and convenient method of separating one batch of breast milk from another based on a difference in at least one quality parameter of the milk. The breast pump device 1, 2 according to the invention is adapted to automatically determine an

appropriate destination position

41, 42 of milk flowing through the device 1, 2 during a pumping process based on a continuous process of detecting an actual value of a quality parameter and comparing this value with a reference value, wherein a real-time relation of the actual value to the reference value determines which

destination position

41, 42 is applicable at this point.

In principle, the double breast pump device according to the invention may actually be a combination of two single breast pump devices 1 as described above, but in this case four containers, two for each breast, would be required, which is an unnecessary complication. Moreover, two detection units 50 would be required, which would increase the cost of the device. Fig. 2 shows the structure of a more practical double suction breast pump device 2 according to the invention. In contrast to the single breast pump device 1, there is an additional funnel-shaped element 10, which funnel-shaped element 10 is connected to the first part 15 of the milk outlet line downstream of the detection unit 50. Otherwise, the double breast pump device 2 is comparable to the single breast pump device 1 and functions in the same way. In addition to this practical embodiment of the double breast pump device 2, the invention also covers a double breast pump device in which the milk flows obtained from the two breasts are not merged downstream of the detection unit 50. First, as mentioned before, there is the option of one combination of two single breast pump devices. In this case, the breast pump device comprises two milk outlet lines, two detection units 50, two separation units 60 and four connection means 31, 32. Secondly, it is possible to have a double breast pump device equipped with two detection units 50 or one detection unit 50 and two separation units 60 adapted to perform measurements at two different locations in the device, wherein each separation unit 60 is associated with the same connection means 31, 32, in which case only those two connection means 31, 32 and thus two

receptacles

41, 42 are required. In a double breast pump device comprising two detection units 50 or one detection unit 50 adapted to perform measurements at two different locations in the device, the quality requirements of the breast milk can be applied separately to the milk of both breasts, which ensures that the maximum amount of milk meeting the quality requirements is collected.

Fig. 1 and 2 further show the option of having an information unit in the breast pump device 1, 2 according to the invention for providing real-time information about at least one quality parameter to a user of the device 1, 2, the information unit being schematically depicted by means of a block 71, and the dashed arrow indicating the connection of the information unit 71 to the controller 70. Furthermore, fig. 1 and 2 show options with a user interface for allowing a user to set a reference value for at least one quality parameter, which user interface is depicted diagrammatically by means of a box 72, and the dashed arrow indicates the connection of the user interface 72 to the controller 70.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, wherein details that are not necessary for understanding the invention may have been omitted, and not necessarily to scale.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Elements and aspects discussed for or relating to a particular embodiment may be combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments as appropriate, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The term "comprising" as used herein will be understood by those skilled in the art to encompass the term "consisting. Thus, the term "comprising" may mean "consisting of" with respect to one embodiment, but may mean "including/including at least the defined substance and optionally one or more other substances" in another embodiment.

In summary, the present invention relates to a breast pump device 1, 2 adapted such that at least two batches A, B of breast milk can be achieved as a direct result of a single pumping session performed on at least one breast of a user, which batches A, B differ in terms of the value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk concerned, and which batches A, B are achieved at

different destination locations

41, 42. The device 1, 2 comprises a detection unit 50 for performing real-time detection of at least one quality parameter in the flow of breast milk and for outputting a detection signal representing an actual value of the at least one quality parameter, and further comprises a controller 70 for receiving the detection signal from the detection unit 50 and for using the signal in determining a suitable setting of the device 1, 2 in terms of selection of a

destination location

41, 42 of the milk.

Claims

1. Breast pump device (1, 2) adapted such that at least two batches (A, B) of breast milk are achievable as a direct result of a single pumping session performed on at least one breast of a user, the at least two batches (A, B) being different with respect to a value of at least one quality parameter of the breast milk concerned, and the at least two batches (A, B) being implemented at different destination locations (41, 42), the device (1, 2) comprising:

a detection unit (50) for performing a real-time detection of the at least one quality parameter in a flow of breast milk extracted from at least one breast of the user during a pumping process and for outputting a detection signal representing an actual value of the at least one quality parameter,

-a controller (70) for receiving the detection signal from the detection unit (50), determining in real time a relation between an actual value and a reference value of the at least one quality parameter, and controlling the device (1, 2) to direct the flow of breast milk to a destination location (41, 42) based on the determined relation, the destination location (41, 42) being appropriate in view of the determined relation;

at least two connecting means (31, 32) allowing to connect at least two containers (41, 42) for receiving breast milk to the device (1, 2);

a valve (61) for allowing the flow of milk to the connected container (41, 42) through at least one of the at least two connecting devices (31, 32) and for preventing the flow of milk to the connected container (41, 42) through at least one other of the at least two connecting devices (31, 32).

2. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 1, the controller (70) being adapted to set the state of the valve (61).

3. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, the valve (61) being movable between a first position for keeping open one of the connecting means (31, 32) while closing the other of the connecting means (31, 32) and a second position for keeping open the one of the connecting means (31, 32) while closing the other of the connecting means (31, 32).

4. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an information unit (71) for providing real-time information on the at least one quality parameter to a user of the device (1, 2).

5. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 4, wherein the information unit (71) is adapted to issue a warning signal to the user in case the actual value of the at least one quality parameter changes from one side of the reference value to the other.

6. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, the detection unit (50) being adapted to detect a milk fat concentration.

7. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 6, the detection unit (50) being adapted for detecting milk fat concentration based on light scattering measurement techniques.

8. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to claim 7, the detection unit (50) being adapted for detecting milk fat concentration based on infrared or near infrared spectroscopy.

9. Breast pump device (1, 2) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8, comprising a user interface (72) for allowing a user to set a reference value of the at least one quality parameter.